You’ll be a key member of a team providing scientific support for the sustainable management of Scotland’s surface and groundwater resources. Their work is all about evaluating the resource available for use, disseminating the results and advising on the mitigation of risk.

Focussing mainly on the areas of groundwater flow or contaminant fate and transport, you’ll be recognised as the best source of information within a regionally-focussed, multidisciplinary team of surface and groundwater resources staff. You’ll often find yourself providing technical advice to support pragmatic regulation of complex sites. This will be via hands-on work, or through supervising an ad-hoc team. When the need arises, we’ll expect you to manage investigative research or emergency response projects. Supporting the management of the wider team, you’ll also undertake peer review and other supervisory duties.

It’s an evolving role, and an additional responsibility will be in supporting the development of national systems - from guidance and procedures, through advice notes and competency frameworks, to the provision of external training. The longer term aim of this work is to facilitate the sustainable development of groundwater resources by industry and by less specialised staff within SEPA.

Suitably qualified in hydrogeology, you’ll demonstrate advanced specialist knowledge and experience of the evaluation and mitigation of risks within at least one industry sector relevant to Scotland’s groundwater resources. This might include coal bed methane, open cast coal, agricultural nitrates, landfill, contaminated land or the management of radioactive substances. Ideally, you’ll have experience from both regulator and developer perspectives.

You’ll use your experience to balance your knowledge with findings from monitoring and modelling data, in order to deliver practical and proportionate advice. The ability to lead the development of quality systems and new techniques, and evaluate the corresponding risks and benefits to the service, is vital. The role calls for the ability to travel and work occasionally outside of regular hours, so a full UK driving licence is preferred.

Opportunities for less specialised positions within the same team are also available. These staff will work across both surface and groundwater resources.